Sorting machine



Aug. 6, 1 935- l.. E. BARNES 2,010,130

SORTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 17, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR E0/v E. BAR/V56 BY ATTORNEY Z `ug. 6, 1935. L, E, BARNES 2,010,130

SORTING MACHINE Filed Nov. l1'?, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 4@ lW50 /z7 INVENTOR E0/v E. BAR/v5.6

ATTORNEY ,j

Aus. 6, 1935. L. E. BARNES 2,010,130

SORT ING MACHINE Filed Nov. 17, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 /7 /Z /219 /fdga mw 30 @g e {23.6 /06 "7 50a "nu l i mvENTpR Eo/v E. BAR/vas /4 g' EY raz ATIIORNEY l Aug. mi, 1935. 1 E. BARNES SORTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 1v, 19:54

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INVENTOR E0/v E. /JRMSU ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 6, 1935 PATENT OFFICE 2,010,130 soa'rmo. momma Leon E. Barnes, Westfield, N.`J.

Application November 17, 1934, Serial No. 153,452

Rossum 'I'his invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in mechanical sorting machines, and more particularly to a machine for sorting material of a flexible paper or other stock, such as checks, coupons, sales slips, tickets and other like matter which, for convenience in explanation, is hereinafter referred to as tickets; and the principal object of my invention is to provide a means by which a quantity of tickets, each bearing a numerical, alphabetical or other identifying designation and arranged with respect to such a designation in a promiscuous or other sequence, may be sorted into consecutive numerical, alphabetical or other sequence, respectively, without the necessity of manually handling the tickets individually and without the necessity of providing on each ticket, solely for 'sorting purposes, any special indication of its numerical, alphabetical or other designation.

'I'he above objective has been accomplished through the subject of my invention which involves a machine by means of which a quantity of tickets placed in the feeding container thereof can be mechanically picked up one by one, each ticket so picked up being mechanically projected to a conveyor means which conveys the ticket to and through an opened switch entrance leading to a particular ticket receiving receptacle in which said ticket properly belongs, from which point of entrance it is conveyed to and deposited in said receiving receptacle, the operations above referred to, together with the selection and opening of the entrance to the particular receiving receptacle in which each ticket is to be deposited, being controlled entirely and solely by the depression of the corresponding key of a keyboard which is embodied in this machine; a further object being to provide means for conveying and depositing tickets having questionable data thereon or in other words, tickets that should not be sorted, for any reason, in the series being sorted in a cycle of operation of the machine; a further object being to provide means for automatically chine, the last mentioned means being adjustable ceiving compartments become iil1ed; and with these and other objects in view, the invention consists in a machine or apparatus of the class and for the purpose specified, which is simple in construction, eilicient in use, and which is constructed as hereinafter described and claimed.

The invention is fully disclosed in the following specification, of which the accompanying drawings form a part, in which the separate partsl of my'improvement are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views, and in which: a

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a machine made according to my invention.

Fig. 2 is a partial section on the line 2-2 of Fig. l with certain parts shown in elevation an in section. f

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional detail view similar to that shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, indicating the manner of picking up a ticket.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 omitting part of the construction and indicating the manner of delivering a ticket.

Fig. 5 is a partial section on the line 5-5 of Fig. l.

Fig. 6 is a sectional plan view substantially on the line 6 6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a section on the line 'I-l of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view diagrammatically illustrating the key operating mechanism for actuating the switch elements and for controlling said elements.

Fig. 9 is a partial section on the line 9-9 of Fig. 1 with parts of the construction broken away and in section.

Fig. l0 is abroken section on the line III-Ill of Fig. 9. i

Fig. 11 is a partial section on the line II--II of Fig. 2; and,

Fig. 12 is a sectional detail view of one end portion of one of a number of ticket receiving platforms which I employ.

Referring now to the drawings, this invention comprises a table like structure, the top of which serves as the base plate I3 of the machine. Set in the front edge of the base plate I3 is a vertically disposed boX-like ticket feeding container I4 ,open at its front and top sides and provided therein with an elevator platform I5, which isv pivotally mounted on oneend of a lever arm I6, the other end of said arm being pivotally mounted on the under side of the base plate I3 in standards I'I. A pulley I8 is mounted on the lever arm I6 near the elevator platform end. Another pulley I9 is mounted directly above pulley I8 on base its other end to the revolving drum 2I of an ad-l plate I3. A supporting and elevating cable 20, one end attached to lever arm I5, extends over pulley I9 andunder pulley IBfIand is attached at justable coiled tension spring device. Thus, it can be seen that spring of drum 2I, when wound to produce a sufficient tension on cable 20, exerts a constantly upward force to elevator platform I5.

Horizontally mounted in standards 22 is a shaft 23, which extends over and across the top of feeding container I4 at the forward end thereof. Suspended from shaft 23 is a gate member 2i, which, when-,1n its normal perpendicular position and automatically locked in such position at the bottom of container i4 by means of a friction `,catch 25 forms a'firmly set closure to the front side of container I4. The position of gate member 24 may be adjusted forwardly or backwardly by adjusting the positions of standards 22. Gate member 24 is swung open in a forward and upward direction to permit the placing of tickets T" in container I4 or for the purpose of removing tickets therefrom when necessary. Attached to gate member 24 and protruding therefrom a short distance inwardly into container I4 is an adjustable stop member 26 for controlling tlie elevation'of the topmost ticket in container Extending over and across the top of container I`4, in a position backward from shaft-23, is a reciprocating shaft 21 horizontally mounted in bearmgs 28. In a central position laterally on shaft 21 is mounted a narrow rubber surfaced idle roller 29, which can revolve freely on shaft 21. 'I'he elevation of shaft 21 is such as to bring the elevation of the lowermost surface of idle roller 29 to the same elevation as that of the ton-V most ticket in container I4. On each side of idle roller 29 is xedly mounted on shaft 21, a reciprocating feed cam 30. The protruding cam portion of each roller 30 has a corrugated rubber surface. When the machine is in a normal and inoperative position, the position 0f each feed cam 30 lis such that its corrugated cam surface is directed in a backward and downward direction. In this position, the roller 29 serves its intended purpose of preventing any contact of the opmost ticket in container I4 with the cam surfaces of rollers 30.

Located just inside the top of the rear end of container I4 and extending crosswise thereof is a small metal roller 3|. The elevation of roller 3| 1s such as to bring the elevation of its lowermost surface to approximately the same elevation as that of the topmost ticket in container I4. Mounted directly over lrolier 3I and'parallel thereto is a larger and rubber surfaced miler 32, the elevation of which is surface is in contact with the topmost surface 0f roller 3|. Mounted on each end of the revolv- 1ing 3siaft to which roller 32 is attached is a pul-A Protruding forwardly through a recessed portion of the surface of roller `3| and at a central point thereunder is a switch finger 34 for switching the topmost ticket in container I4 upwardly into the jaws of rollers 3| and 32, as later described. 'I'he rear end of switch finger 34 is pivotally mounted at the rear of container I4, Through the tension of a spring 35, the forward end of switch finger 34 is forced constantly downward against the topmost ticket in container I4.

Mounted Just'backwardly from rollers 3| and 32 is a nat surfaced platform 33, the elevation of the' top. surface of which is the sameas that such that its lowermost' of the topmost surface of roller 3I. Platform 35, which constitutes the forward end of the base of the main runway of the machine, is slotted partly through its center to permit proper elevation and operation of a conveyor belt, later described. j

aExtending in straight alinement backwardly from platform 35, at the same elevation as that of said platform and constituting a continuation of the base of the main runway, are ten identical switch members 31a, 31b, 31C, 31d, 31e, 31f, 31g, 31h, 31: and 311i, each of which is operative in the manner of a lid and when opened affords an entrance. to a secondary runway, later described, which leadsto a corresponding receiving receptacle later described.

Interposted between switch Amembers 31e and 31f are two platforms 38, which complete the base of the main runway and which are provided to meet certain spacing requirements of the ticket receiving receptacles later described. Each switch member 31a, to 31j, the top plan shape of which is clearly indicated in Figure l, is flat on its top side except for a recessed portion 31 extending perpendicularly across the center, and a rounded surface extending over the rear edge and is entirely flat on its bottom side.

Each switch member is substantially wedge-- shaped in cross sectional form and includes a notch or cut out portion 31". Each of the switch members 31a to 31g` includes a rod 39 pivotally mounted in upright bearing and guide strips 40, 4I. The rods extend beyond the strip 4I as clearly seen in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

Extendingover and across the main runway in a position 'over platform 35 is a horizontal revolving shaft 42 mounted in bearings 43. Mounted on shaft 42 at a point over the center of the main runway is a pulley 44. Also mounted on shaft 42, at a point over each side of the main runway and in alinement with pulley 33 on the corresponding side of said runway, is a pulley 45. A rubber belt 45' connects each of the two pairs of pulleys 33 and 45.

Extending over and across the rear end of the `main runway is another horizontal revolving shaft 45 mounted in bearings 41. Mounted on shaft 45 at a point over the center of the' main runway and in alinement with pulley 44 is a pulley 43. A round rubber belt 49 constituting the main conveyor belt connects pulleys 44 and 43, the lower strand of said belt following a horizontal course immediately over and in alinement with the centers 0f the recessed portions of switch members 31a to 31j. The lower strand of conveyor belt -49 passes without friction through the slot in platform 35, recesses 31 and notches 31", said lower strand being preferably disposed slightly -below the upper surface of the `switch members employed. A pulley 50 mounted on shaft 45 is connected by belt 50 directly with the driving pulley 5I of the operating motor 52.

Fixedly mounted on shaft 42 at the left of the main runway is a gear 53 which operates gear 54 of aclutch assembly next described. This clutch assembly, which is illustrated in detail by Figures 9 and 10, includes a revolving shaft ss which is mounted in bearings 5o and ssa. A revolving sleeve, 51 is mounted on the left portion of shaft 55, gear 54 being xedly mounted on said sleeve. 51 at the right of gear 54 is a round metal disk 58, the right side of which is cut out in a quarterly fashion forming four spoke-like teeth 58a, note Fig. 9. Flxedly mounted on shaft 55 at the `7o Also xedly mounted on the sleeve right of disk 58 and just clear of disk 58 is a round metal disk 59. A rectangular slot 60 is cut through disk 59, and in said slot is pivotally mounted a pawl member 6I, .hereinafter referred to as the clutch pawl. Clutch pawl 6| can pivot sufficiently on its pivot rod 62 to allow it to protrude from the left side of disk 59 and become engaged with one of the teeth of disk 58. On the clutch pawl 6I is a cam portion.63 which extends beyond the right side of disk 59 and which is actuated by a switch bar member, later described.

A spring 64 mounted between the clutch pawl 6I and a supporting strip 64 serves to normally maintain the clutch pawl 6I in position to engage one of the teeth 58a of the disk 58 when the pawl 6I is released. In the outer peripheral surface of the disk 59 is a notch 65, note Fig. 9. Se

cured to the shaft 55 adjacent the bearing 56a is a crank arm 66 at the free end of which is a pin 61 to which is coupled one end of a connecting rod 68, the other end being coupled with the free end of a rocker arm 69, yit being understood that the rotation of the crank 66 and its size will govern the oscillatory movement imparted to the shaft 21 through the rocker arm 69.

A clutch operating element 10 is employed. This element is pivoted to the lower surface of base plate I3 on a shaft 1I supported in bearings 12. The element 10 consists of spaced angular arms 19a, 10b, the. latter projecting forwardly to a point in close proximity to one side of the disk 59, sufficiently to engage the cam portion 63 of the pawl 6I to control the operation of said pawl. The arms 10a, 10b are connected by a cross rod 19e which operates inconnection with a toothed wheel 13 which operates in the form of a cam, the same being secured to a shaft 14 mounted in bearings 15 as clearly seen in Fig. 6 of the drawings.

A spring 16 is connected with the arm 18h and to a part attached to the base plate I3, and normally serves to hold the element 10 in engagement with the toothed wheel or cam 13 as clearly seen in Fig. 9 of the drawings. A lever frame 11 is pivoted to the base plate I3 and has one end extending upwardly through an opening in said base plate. Mounted in the upper end of said frame is a roller 18, designed to engage the notch or recess 65 in the disk 59 to normally retain said disk against rotation and t-o act as a means lfor stopping the disk rotation. Connected to the other or lower end of the lever frame is a spring 19 which serves to constantly maintain the roller in engagement with the edge of the disk. In the normal position of the machine'the roller 18 is seated in the notch 65 and the arm 10b is in engagement with the vcam portion 63 to hold the pawl 6I out of entacle, later described, any tickets which are il legible or which for any reason'it is desired to exclude from the sorting process. Each key member comprises a key top 8|- mounted on a key shaftl 82 which extends downwardly through perpendicular-ly alined slots in plates 88a, 80h and 80e, and thence backwardly to a resting position upon a horizontally disposed cross rod 83 at the outer` end of a rectangular shaped lever frame 84.

Lever frame/84 is pivotally mounted in bearings 85 attached to the under side of base plate I3. The outer end of lever frame 84 is held upwardly with cross rod 83.bearing against the ends cf key shafts 82 by a spring 86 which is affixed to each side of lever frame 84 and attached to base plate I3. Inserted through each key shaft` 82 between plates 80h and 80o is a pin 81 which controls the normal and inoperative position of the key member and also `the depth of the key stroke. A right angle arm 88 is pivotally mounted at its corner point in a vertically disposed position in a bearing 88a upon the plate 80h, directly back- Ward of each key shaft 82 of each key member which is assigned to one of the numerical characters to 9 inclusive. The forward section of each angle arm 88 consists of a rod extending upwardly and forwardly from plate 80h through a small slot 82a in its associated key shaft 82 `fThe rear section of each angle arm 88 is pivotally mounted to a reach bar 89. Each reach bar89l exten-ds backwardly under rods ,39 to a point just beyond the position of rod 39 of that switch member 31 which is associated with the key memberl with which the particular reach bar is connected, all as clearly shown in Fig. ilv of the drawings. The rear end of each reach bar 89 is seated in a shallow groove on the forward end of a standard 90 and is attached by a spring 9I to the rear end of said standard. The tension of spring 9| is backwardly, thus its tension upon reach bar 89 causes the forward section of the angle arm 88 to which the respective rca-ch bar 89 is attached to bear constantly upward against the top edge of the slot 82a in the associated key shaft 82 and to contribute with springs 86 on lever frame 84 in holding the assoby the top edge of the slot 82a in the respective key shaft 82 upon the forward section of the associated angle arm 88, causes said angle arm to pivot forwardly and to thus impart a forward motion to the associated reach bar 89. It can also be seen that upon. release of the key, the tension of its associated spring 9| aided by the tension of springs 86A immediately restores the key member and its associated reach bar 89 and angle arm 88 to their normal positions.

Horizontally inserted through each reach bar 89 at right angles thereto and in a position directly over'the forward end of the standard 96,

pin 92.

Fixedly mounted in a suspended manner on' each rod 39 in a straddling position over the reach bar 89 with which the respective rod 39 is associated, and resting against both the pin 92 in said reach bar 89 andthe forward end of standard 90 on which saidreach bar 89 rests, is a member 93 serving three functions, namely, a means for oscillating rod 39 to which member 93 is secured for the purpose of moving thelswitch member 31a to 317', selected by the particular key operated, into open position; to actuatel dog 91; and further, serves as a weight which eiIects an immediate closing of the switch member when the switch member is released from its open position by the means next described.

Slidably mounted in channels or grooved seats at the top of standards 94a and 94b is a sliding lock barr 95. This bar is provided with a series f ten slots or openings 96a to 967 inclusive, so positioned that whenthe machine is in a normal or inoperative position,.each opening is located just forwardly of one of the rods 39. Secured to each rod 39 in line with the lock bar 95 is a dog 91, which extends slightly beyond the forward edge of the adjacent slot or opening 96. A shoulder portion 95a on the ba'r 95 is normally held in engagement with the standard 94h by a spring 98 to maintain the normal and inoperative position of lock bar 95. To the forward end of the bar is hinged or pivoted a toothed member 99 which extends downwardly through a slot in said bar to project through the lower surface thereof. Arranged in a, standard |00'is a pawl |0| having an arm |02 with which is connected a link rod-|03, the latter being pivoted to the frame 84 as indicated at I 04, note Figs. 6, '1 and 8.

A fine toothed ratchet wheel is secured to the shaft 14 within the frame 84, and pivotally mounted centrally of the frame 84 is a pawl |06 normally held in engagement with the wheel |05 by a, spring |01, note Fig. '7. It will thus be apparent that in the downward movement of the lever frame by the action of any one of the keys, the wheel |05 will be partially rotated to correspondingly rotate the shaft 14, suillcient only to force the Across rod c over one tooth of the wheel 13.

Extending downwardly from the base plate I3 are a series of U-shaped runways |00, one for each of the switch members .31a to 311' respectively, the runways being of graduated lengths to provide for the location of ticket receiving receptacles disposed at the lower ends thereof as may be seen from a consideration of Fig. 2 of the drawings. The upper end of each runway has a forwardly curved extension |08a projecting through the base plate |3, and the free end of which is disposed adjacent the respective switch member so as to direct the tickets passed through the switch member into the respective runway. The b ase or cross plate of each runway is provided with a slot |00b arranged longitudinally thereof.

At the upper end of each runway is a. transverse shaft |09 mounted in bearings ||0 and ||0a; the latter bearing being disposed to the right side of the runway, the shaft |09 extending through said bearing and having a pulley on its projecting end. It will be noted on a consideration of Fig. 6 of the drawings that the lengths of the shafts |09 vary so as to provide the staggered or spaced relation of the pulleys for alinement with the driving pulleys, later described. Secured to the shafts |09 centrally of the runways and in alinement with the slots |081) therein are pulleys ||2. Mounted at the lower end portions of runways |08 are shafts ||3,

on which are secured centrally, pulleys ||4 and rubber belts ||5 are passed around the pulleys ||2 and ||4 and constitute conveyor belts for conveying the tickets delivered into the runways to the lower-end portions of the runways. A pair of pulleys |6 are cured to the shaft ||3, one pulley at each side mi; thevpulley (I4.

At the lower ende of each runway is a ticket receiving receptacle- ||1 .having a .backwardly directed base plate 1a, the rear end portion of which joins the run ay in angularly disposed side brace bars ||0, in which is mounted a shaft ||9. Secured to each shaft are'two pulleys |20 arranged in alinement with the pulleys H6. Belts |2| pass around the pulleys ||6, |20, and provide additional means for conveying the ticket deliveredfrom the conveyor belt ||5 into the ticket receiving receptacle. Secured centrally to the shaft ||9 is a pulley |22, and fixed to a shaft |23 arranged in the base plate ||1a is another pulley |24 and a belt |25 'passes around the pulleys |22 and |24 to provide a means for delivering and stacking the tickets in a vertical positionwithin the receptacle. y

Slidably mounted in the base plate or platform ||1a of the receptacle is a ticket backing or supporting plate |26. 'I'he lower portion or base |26a of the plate is keyed to and slidable in a channel ||1b formed in the platform ||1a, note Fig. 12. The plate |26 is also preferably provided with a vertical slot |2612 in alinement with the belt |25 to facilitate the depositing of the first ticket delivered to the receptacle. The height of the shafts ||9 with respect to the height ofthe vtickets is such as to provide admission of the successive tickets, as will be apparent. In this connection, note the upper right hand corner of Fig. 2 of the drawings. A lxed electric contact ||1c and a spring contact ||1d are disposed at the rear ends of the-respective receptacles |1, the backing plate |26 or the base |26a thereof being adapted to force the spring contact ||1d into engagement with the contact ||1e when the receptacle becomes lled to complete the electric circuit to an audible signal, for example, a bell, diagrammatically illustrated at ||1e in Fig. 6 of the drawings. It will be apparent that other types of signals may be employed to indicate to the operator when the respective ticket receiving re- Aceptacles are filled.

Secured -to the shaft 46 isa gear |21 which meshes with a gear |28 secured to a shaft |29 mounted in suitable bearings on the under surface of the base plate I3. Secured to the shaft |29 at spaced intervals longitudinally thereof are pulleys |30, each of which is in alinement with one of the pulleys of the shafts |09, as clearly seen in Fig. 6 of the drawings, and belts |30a pass around the pulleys |30, to provide. a driving means for the respective shafts |09.

A special receptacle |3| for receiving tickets which are illegible or which for any reason it is desired to exclude from the assorting process, is mounted at the rear end of the main runway of the machine, said receptacle consisting merely of a box-like drawer into which a ticket is deposited by a conveyor belt 49, when all switch members 31a to 317 are closed.

For the purpose of preventing two or more tickets from passing through the machine together, an adjustable detector device |32 is employed. 'I'his device consists of a long lever arm |32a, the forward end portion of which is pivoted on a transverse shaft |32b disposed adjacent the pulley 44, the lever having a forwardly extending U-shaped portion 32e disposed between the shaft 42 and the platform 36 as will appear from a consideration of Figs. 1 and 2.

Centrally of the crosshead of the part |32c is a downwardly projecting detector finger |32d, note Fig. 3 of the drawings. The forward surface of this finger is beveled to insure the delivery of the ticket therebeneath. The rear end portion of the lever arm |32a of the detector device is vertically adjustable in a bracket |32e, note Fig. 2, soas to permit raising and lowering of detector finger |32d with respect to the platform 36 to gage the clearance space for a single ticket, permitting the free passage of one ticket between the said `finger and platform, but preventing the passage of more than one ticket therethrough. In the event that two tickets should be caught or otherwise attached together and delivered from roller 32, the same will be stopped at the detector finger |32d and will be buckled up forwardly of said finger and further become ejected by the force of roller 32.

\The operation of the clutch mechanism will be understood from the foregoing .description when taken in connection with tlk following statement. vThe driving motor 62 is in operation ,when the machine is in condition for use. However, until a key 6I is depressed, the clutch is idle, with the exception that the gear 54 and disk 58 are rotating. Upon depressing one of the keys, for example, the key with the numeral l thereon, the reach bar 89 controlled by the key number l is moved forwardly against the tension of the spring9l by the operation of angle arm 88. In this operation, the pin 92 in said reach bar actuates the member 9 rocking the shaft 39 to raise the switch 31h the manner indicated in Figs. 2 and 8 of the drawings.

In this operation, the cross rod 83 is depressed to move 'the frame 84 downwardly, which in turn feeds the lock bar 95 forwardly by engagement of the pawl IBI with the tooth member 99 permitting the dog 91 to pass upwardly into slot 96h and become engaged by bar 95, thus holding switch 31b in raised position, it being understood that before the key has reached the limit of its downward movement, the pawl IOI will have been released from the tooth member 99, releasing the bar 95 which returns to its normal position, as is indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 8 of the drawings. In this same operation, the downward movement of the frame 84 causes the pawl |06 to rotate the ratchet sufficiently to cause the toothed wheel 13 to rotate one tooth, in which operation, the element 10 or the arm 10b thereof is raised, as indicated in Vdotted lines in Fig. 9,-

thus releasing the cam portion 63, permitting the same to move inwardly into the dotted line position indicated in Fig. l0, so that the pawl 6I will move into position to engage the next spoke 58a of the revolving disk 58, causing said disk to rotate the clutch disk 59 one complete revolution. The pawl 6| is moved out of engagement with the disk 58 prior to the completion of said revolution by engagement of the cam portion 63 with the arm 19h. 'Ihe latter, in engaging said cam portion, operates to move the same from the dotted line position into the full line position as shown in Fig. l0.y 'Ihe momentum of the clutch disk 59 is stopped by the roller 18 dropping into the recess 65.

In the aforesaid rotation of the clutch disk 59, the ticket pick up and delivery cams 30 are actuated to deliver one ticket tothe feeding and conveying means as later described. In the aforesaid operation,v the forward movement of the bar operates to return any previously raised switch member to a closed position, leaving only the one switch member controlled by the key which is de.

ticket is free from pressure against any memberv above it, enables gate member 24 to force any protruding tickets into proper perpendicular alinement with the other tickets. Lever arm I6 Vis then released, forcing elevator platform I5 upwardly until stopped by the pressure of the topmost ticket against stop member 26, idle roller 29 and switch finger 34. vilill ticket supporting plates |26 in receptacles I1 are then set in their foremost positions.

The motor is started, thereby setting all pulleys and gearsI into revolving motion which is uninterruptedly maintained while the motor is in operation.' As viewed from the right side of the machine, roller 32 and conveyor belt 49 are traveling in a counter clockwise direction, while conveyor belts ||5, 2|, and |25 are traveling in a clockwise direction.

/Assuming that the number on the topmost ticket is 3741, the operator depresses the key Ybearing the numerical designation l, note Figs. 1,

7 and 8. 'I'he single downward stroke of this key, firstly, operates lock bar 95, thereby closing any switch member 31a to 317' that may then be open; secondly, opens switch member 31h. which through-the action of lock bar 95, becomes locked in its open position by dog 91 and thirdly, releases cam portion 63, thereby actuating the clutch mechanism and producing approximately a ninety-degree turn and return forwardly and backwardly respectively, of the feed cams 30 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings.

Immediately following the start of the turn of the feed cams, the corrugated friction surfaces thereof come into contact with the surface of the ticket, and by force of friction, grip the ticket and force it to slide forwardly with feed cams 3|), for the remaining distance of their turn, such action causing the ticket to buckle upwardly between the positions of cams 30 and stop member 26 and to be drawn out from under switch finger 34, note Fig. 3.

With the return movement of cams 30 to their normal and inoperative positions, the friction of said cams upon the ticket forces the ticket to move backwardly with cams 30, during the course of which movement.`the ticket is deected upwardly by switch finger 34 into the jaws of rollers 3| and 32. Concurrently with the engagement of the ticket by rollers 3| and 32, cams 30 reach their normal and inoperative positions, thus releasing their contact with the ticket. The action of rollers 3| and 32 projects the ticket under nger |32d, then between conveyor belt 49 and runway platform 36, where by the force of friction, the ticket is gripped by conveyor belty 48 and by the same force, conveyed by said belt over the top surfaces of runway platform 36 and switch member 31a, whereupon it strikes the slanting under side of the opened switch member 31h and is deflected downwardly into the runway |68, admission to which is controlled by the switch 31h where it becomes engaged between the runway base and the conveyor'belt I|5 of said runway. By the force of friction, said belt conveys the ticket downwardly through the runway, from which it is deflected backwardly through the guidance of belts |2|, associated with said runway, into engagement between ticket supporting plate |26 and conveyor belt |25 of the receiving receptacle ||1 forming part of said runway unit. By the force of friction, said belt |25 conveys the ticket downwardly to an upright resting position on the base platform ||1a of said receiving receptacle with the numbered side of the ticket facing backwardly. Each succeeding ticket which is deposited in this same receptacle will become engaged between said conveyor belt |25 and the ticket last deposited in that receptacle, and 'come to rest, as already described, forwardly of said lastticket. Each ticket in container I4 is picked up, conveyed to and deposited in its respective receiving receptacle in a similar manner as that described above by depressing the key bearing the numerical designation corresponding to the units digit of the number appearing on the respective ticket.

When the stack 0f tickets originally placed in the container i4 and disposed of as above described does not constitute the entire group of tickets to be assorted, another stack of the unassorted portion of said group is placed in container i4 and likewise assorted according to the units digits of the numbers appearing on the respective tickets. 'I'his process is repeated as necessary, until all of the tickets in the entire group to be assorted have been thusly disposed of, when the tickets are then removed from the respective receptacles lil and stacked, numbered side up, in numerical order in respect to the units digits. The entire reassembled group of tickets is again processed through the machine, the same procedure as that described above being repeated with respect to the next digit of the numbers, for example, the tens digit, and this complete operation is repeated until an assortment of all of the tickets has been made with respect to all of the digits controlling the numbers thereon. Upon the completion of this assortment, the stacking of the tickets will arrange them in numerical sequence.

It will be understood that machines may be Iemployed with different types and numbers of operating keys to adapt the machine to different uses, for example, twenty-six or more keys may be employed for alphabetical assortment, and in "the latter event, a corresponding number of switch elements may be employed as well as the parts cooperating-with both, it being further understood in this connection that my invention is not necessarily limited to the specific structural details herein shown and described, nor to. the manner of actuating the separate mechanisms ordevices.

It will be apparent that my invention is not necessarily limited to a machine for sorting ,tickets or similar members as the same may be used asa means for distributing or delivering ticket of the stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arranged below said surface and into which the tickets are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming part of said supporting surface and of a width equal to the Width of said surface, said elements controlling transmission of tickets to the respective receptacles, and means arranged longitudinally ofthe machine and said supporting surface above said switch elements for conveying tickets from the pick up and delivery means to the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby. 2. A ticket handling machine comprising a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally'of the machine, means at the forward end of said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, means arranged above said rst named means for picking up and delivering the uppermos't ticket of the stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arranged below said surface and into which the tickets'are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming part of said supporting surface and of a width equal to the width of said surface, said elements controlling transmission of tickets to the respective receptacles, means arranged longitudinally of the machine and said supporting surface above said switch elements for conveying tickets from the pick up and delivery means t0 the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby, each receptacle having independently driven conveyormeans for feeding the tickets to the storage end of the receptacle, and means adjacent each switch element for guiding the ticket delivered by said element into the conveyor means controlled by said element.

3. A ticket handling machine comprising a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of the machine, means at the forward end of said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, means arranged above said rst named means for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arranged below said surface and into which the tickets are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming part of'said supporting surface and of a width equal to the width of said surface, said elements controlling transmission of tickets to the respective receptacles, means arranged longitudinally of the machine and said supporting 'surface above said4 switch elements for con- .veying tickets from the pick up and delivery means to the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacle controlled thereby, and means including a long tensioned arm for constantly supporting the tickets in engagement with the pick up and delivery means.

4. A ticket handling machineA comprising a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of the machine, means at the forward end of said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, means arranged above said first named means for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arranged below said surface and into which the tickets are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming part of. said supporting surface and of a width equal to the width of s'aid surface, said elements controlling transmission of tickets -to the respective receptacles, means arranged 75 longitudinally-of the machine and said supporting surface above said switch elements for conveying tickets from the pick up and delivery means t'o the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby, means including a long tensioned arm for constantly supportingthe tickets in engagement with the pick up and delivery means, and an adjustable gage device interposed between the pick up and delivery means, and said first named conveyor means controlling the feed of a single ticket into said conveyor means.

5. A ticket handling machine comprising a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of the machine, means at the forward end of said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, means arranged above said rst named means for picking upand delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arranged below said surface and into which the tickets are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming part of said supporting surface and of a width equal to the width of said surface, said elements controlling transmission of tickets to the respective receptacles, means arranged longitudinally of the machine and said supporting surface above said switch elements for conveying tickets from the pick up and delivery means to the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby, a series of manually actuated keys arranged at one sideof the machine adjacent the pick up and delivery means, and means including rods extending from each switch element to the first namedside of the machine and in operative engagement with predetermined lkeys whereby the depression of one of the keys will cause one of said switch elements to be moved into operative position.

6. A ticket handling machine comprising a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of the machine, means at the forward end of said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, means arranged above said first named means for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to 'said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arrangedA below saidsurface and into which the tickets are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming part of said supporting surface and of a width equal to the width of said surface, said elements controlling transmission of tickets to the respective receptacles, means arranged longitudinally of the machine and said supporting surface above said switch elements for conveying tickets `Lfrom the pick up and delivery :means to the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby, a series of manually actuated keys arranged at one side of the machine adjacent the pick up and delivery means, means including rods extending from each switch element to the rst named side of the machine and in operative en' gagement with predetermined keys whereby the depression of one of the keys will cause one of said switch elements to be moved into operative position, and a control bar arranged longitudinally of the machine and in operative engagement with all of said rods for supporting the respective switcli\elements in raised position when the respective keys are released.

7. A ticket handling machine comprising a ticket supporting surface extendingl longitudinally of the machine, means at the forward-end i 7 of said surface for movablylsupporting a stack of tickets, means arranged above said first named means for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the'stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arranged below said surface and into which-the tickets are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming part of said supporting surface and of a width equal tothe width of said surface, said velementslcontrolling transmission of tickets to-the respective receptacles, means arranged longitudinally of the machine and said supporting surface abovesaid switch elements for conveying tickets from the pick up and delivery means to the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby, a

series of manually actuated keys arranged at one side of the machine adjacent the pick up`and delivery means, means including rods extending from each switch element to the first named side of the machine and in operative engagement with predetermined keys whereby the depression of one of the keys will cause one of said. switch elements to be moved into operative position, a control bar arranged longitudinally of the machine and in operative engagement with all o f said rods for supporting the respective switch elements in raised position when the respective keys are released, and said control bar being in operative engagement with the respective keys to return a raised switch element to normal position in the operation of raising another switch element.

8. A ticket handling machine comprising a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of the machine, means at the forward end of said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, means arranged above said first named means for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arranged below said surface and into which the tickets are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming part of said supporting surface and of a Width equal to the width of said surface, said elements controlling transmission of tickets to the respective receptacles, means ar- 'ranged longitudinally of the machine and said supporting surface above said switch elements for conveying tickets from the pick up and delivery means to the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby, a series of manually actuated keys arranged at one side of the machine adjacent the pick up and delivery means, means including rods extending from each switch element to the first named side of the machine and in operative engagement with predetermined keys whereby the depression of one of the keys will cause one of said switch elements to be moved into operative position, a control bar arranged longitudinally of the machine and in operative engagement with all of ,said rods for supporting the respective switch elements in raised position when the respective keys are released, said control bar being in operative engagement with the respective keys to return a raised switch element to normal position in the operation of raising another switch element, and means comprising a clutch mechanism for actuating the ticket pick up and delivery f' means in the operation of each of said keys.

9. A ticket handling machine comprising a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of the machine, means at the forward end of said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, means arranged above said first named means for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arranged below said surface and into which the tickets are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming' part of saidsupporting surface and of a width equal to the width of said surface, vsaid elements controlling transmission vof tickets to the respective receptacles, means arranged longitudinally of the machine and said supporting surface above said switch elements for conveying tickets from the pick up and delivery means to the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby, a series` of manually actuated keys arranged at one side of the machine adjacent the pick up and delivery means, means including rods extending from each switch element to the first named side of the machine and in oper-ative engagement with predetermined keys whereby the depression of one of the keys will cause one of said switch elements to be moved into operative position, a control bar arranged longitudinally of the machine and in operative engagement with all of said rods for supporting the respective switch elements in raised position when the respective keys are released, said control bar being in operative engagement with the respective keys to return a raised switch element to normal position in the operation of raising another switch element, means comprising a clutch mechanism for actuating the ticket pick up and delivery means in the operation of each of said keys, a receptacle at the rear end of said supporting surface, and a key on said key board actuating said clutch and control bar to permit the delivery of tickets into said last named receptacle.

10. A ticket handling machine comprising a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of the machine, means at the forward end of said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, means arranged above said first named means for picking up and'delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and `arranged below said surface and into which the tickets are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming part of said supporting surface and of a width equal to the width of said surface, said elements controlling transmission of tickets to the respective receptacles, means arranged longitudinally of the machine and said supporting surface above said switch elements for conveying tickets from the pick up and delivery means to the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby, a series of 'manually actuated keys arranged at one side of the machine adjacent the pick up and delivery means, means including rods extending from each switch element to the rst named side of the machine and in operative engagement with predetermined keys whereby the depression of one of the keyswill cause one of said switch elements to be moved intooperative position,y a control bar arranged longitudinally of the I machine and in operative engagement with all of said rods for supporting the respective switch elements in raised position when the respective keys are released, said control bar -being in operative engagement with the respective keys to returna raised switch element to normal position in the operation of raising another switch element, means comprising a clutch mechanism for actuating the ticket pick-up and delivery means in the operation of each of said keys, a

plurality of independently driven conveyor units for transmitting tickets from the switch elements to their respective receptacles, and means for guiding the tickets from the switch elements to the conveyor units.

1l. A ticket handling machine comprising a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of the machine, means at the forward end of said rsurface for movably supporting a stack of tickets,

means arranged above said first named means for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arranged below said surface and into which the tickets are to be delivered, a plurality of switch elements forming part of said supporting surface and of a width equal to the width of said surface, said elements controlling transmission of tickets to the respective receptacles, means arranged longitudinally of the machine and said supporting surface above said switch elements for conveying tickets from the pick up and delivery means to the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby, a series ofi manually actuated keys arranged at one side of the machine adjacent the pick up and delivery means, means including,r rods extending from each switch element to the first named side of the machine and in operative engagement with predetermined keys whereby the depression of one of the keys will cause one of said switch elements to be moved into operative position, a control bar arranged longitudinally of the machine and in operative engagement with all of said rods for supporting the respective switch elements in raised position when the respective keys are released, saidcontrol bar being in operative engagement with the respective keys to return a raised switch element to normal position in the operation of raising another switch element, means comprising a clutch mechanism for actuating the ticket pick-up and delivery means in the operation of each of said keys, a plurality of independently driven conveyor units for transmitting tickets from the switch elements to their respective receptacles, `means for guiding the tickets from the switch elements to the conveyor units, and means including a movable backing wall for stacking the tickets in each receptacle.

12. A ticket handling machine comprising a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of the machine, means at the forward end of said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, means arranged above said first named means for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said surface, a plurality of receptacles spaced longitudinally of and arranged below said surface and Yinto which the tickets are ,to be delivered, a plurality, of switch elements) forming part of said supporting surface and of a width` equal to the width of said surface, said elements controlling transmission of tickets to the respective receptacles, means arranged longitudinally of the machine and said supporting surface above said switch elements for conveying tickets from the pick-up and delivery means to the respective switch elements for transmission to the receptacles controlled thereby, a series of manually actuated keys arranged at one side of the machine adjacent the pick-up and delivery means, means including rods extending from each switch element to the first named side of the machine and in operative engagement with predetermined Ykeys whereby the depression of one of the keys will cause one of said switch elements to be moved into operative position, a, control bar arranged longitudinally of the machine and in operative engagement with all of said rods for supporting the respective switch elements in raised position when the respective keys are released, said control bar being in operative engagement with the respective keys to return a raised switch element to normal position in the operation of raising another switch element, means comprising a clutch mechanism for actuating the ticket pick-up and delivery means in the operation of each of said keys, a plurality of independently Idriven conveyor units for transmitting tickets from the switch elements to their respective receptacles, means for guiding the tickets from the switch elements to the conveyor units, means including a movable backing wall for stacking the tickets in each receptacle, and means for automatically signalling the operator when each receptacle is filled with stacked tickets.

13. A machine of the class described comprising a top plate, a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of said plate from the front to the rear end portions thereof, means including a compartmentat the forward end of said plate in alinement with said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, a plurality of switch elements spaced longitudinally of and forming part of said supporting surface, said surface and switch elements being grooved centrally thereof, an endless belt mounted to move longitudinally of the supporting surface with the lower portion of the belt operating in juxtaposition to the central groove of said surface, means arranged above a stack of tickets supported in the machine for picking up and deliveringy the uppermost ticket of the stack to said supporting surface and said belt conveyor, and said belt conveyor `in conjunction with the groove of said surface being adapted to frictionally feed the ticket to a predetermined switch element of said supporting surface.

14. A machine of the class described comprising a top plate, a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of said plate from the front to the rearend portions thereof, means including a compartment at the forward end of said plate in alinement with said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, a plurality of switch elements spaced longitudinally of and forming part of said supporting surface, said surface and switch elements being grooved centrally thereof, an endless belt mounted to move longitudinally 'of the supporting surface with the lower portion of the belt operating in juxtaposition to the central groove of said surface, means arranged above a stack of tickets supported in the machine for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said supporting surface and said belt conveyor, said belt conveyor in conjunction with the groove of said surface being adapted to frictionally feed the ticket to a predetermined switch element of said supporting surface, a plurality of lugs for for each switch element, and means comprising independently driven belt conveyorv units for transmitting tickets from said switch elements to the respective receptacles. l

15. A machine of the class described comprising a top plate, a ticket supporting surface exs tending longitudinally of said plate from the front to the rear end portions thereof, means including a compartment at the forward end of said plate in alinement vwith said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, a plurality of switch elements spaced longitudinally of and forming part of said supporting surface, said surface and switch elements being grooved centrally thereof, an endless belt mounted to move longitudinally of the supporting surface with the lower portion of the belt operating in juxtaposition to the central groove of said surface, means arranged above a stack of tickets supported in the machine for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said supporting surface and said belt conveyor, said belt conveyor in conjunction with the groove of said surface being adapted to frictionally feed the ticket to a predetermined switch element of said supporting surface, a plurality of lugs for supporting the top plate of the machine above a floor or other support, a plurality of ticket receiving receptacles arranged beneath the top plate in vertically and longitudinally spaced relation to each other, a receptacle being provided foreach switch element and means comprising independently driven belt conveyor units for transmitting tickets from said switch elements to the respective receptacles, means for constantly operating the first and secondnamed conveyors, a plurality of manually actuated keys at one side of the top plate controlling the operation of the separate switch elements, and means comprising a clutch mechanism actuated in the operation of any of said keys for causing the ticket pick-up and delivery means to be actuated.V

16.A A machine of the class described comprising a top plate, a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of said plate from the front to. the rear end portions thereof, means including a compartment at the forward end of said plate in alinement with said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, a plurality of switch elements spaced longitudinally of and forming part of said supporting surface, said surface and switch elements being grooved centrally thereof, an endless belt mounted to move longitudinally of the supporting surface with the lower portion of the belt operating in juxtaposition to the central groove of said surface, means arranged above -a stack of tickets supported in the machine for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said supporting surface and said beltV conveyor, said belt conveyor in conjunction with the groove of said surface being adapted to frictionally feed the ticket to a predetermined switch element of said supporting surface, a plurality of lugs for supporting the top plate of the machine above a floor or other support, a plurality of ticket receiving receptacles arranged beneath the top plate in vertically and longitudinally spaced relation to each other, a receptacle being provided for each switch element and means comprising independently driven belt conveyor units for transmitting tickets from said switch elements to the respective receptacles, means for constantly operating the first and second named conveyors, a plurality of manually actuated keys at one side of the top plate controlling the operation of the separate switch elements, means comprising a clutch mechanism actuated in the operation of any of said keys for causing the ticket pick-up and delivery means to be actuated, and means includ- 151g 2in. adjustable gage device interposed between the pick-up and delivery means and said first named belt conveyor to provide the delivery of single tickets to said conveyor.

17. A machine of the class described comprising a top plate, a ticket supporting surface extending longitudinally of said plate from the front to the rear end portions thereof, means including a compartment at the forward end of said plate in alinement with said surface for movably supporting a stack of tickets, a plurality of switch elements spaced longitudinally of and forming part of said supporting surface, said surface and switch elements being grooved centrally thereof, an endless belt mounted to move longitudinally of the supporting surface with the lower portion of the belt operating in juxtaposition to the central groove of said surface, means arranged above a stack of tickets supported in the machine for picking up and delivering the uppermost ticket of the stack to said supporting surface and said belt conveyor, said belt conveyor in conjunction with the groove of said surface being adapted to frictionally feed the ticket to a predetermined switch element of said supporting surface, a plurality of lugs for supporting the top plate of the machine above a floor or other support, a plurality of ticket receiving receptacles arranged beneath the top plate in vertically and longitudinally spaced relation to each other, a receptacle being provided for each switch element and means comprising independently driven belt conveyor units for transmitting tickets from said switch elements to the respective receptacles, means for constantly operating the first and second named conveyors, a plurality of manually actuated keys at one side of the top plate controlling the operation of the separate switch elements, means comprising a clutch mechanism actuated in the operation of any of said keys for causing the ticket pick-up and delivery means to be actuated, means including an adjustable gage device interposed between the pick-up and delivery means and said first named belt conveyor to provide the delivery of single tickets to said conveyor, and a control bar in operative engagement with all of said keys and said switch elements for permitting one switch element only to assume an operative position in the successive operation of different keys.

18. In a ticket sorting machine of the class described, a plurality of switch elements controlling delivery of tickets to independent receptacles, a key actuated mechanism controlling the operation of said switch elements, each element including a rod, a dog at one end of the rod, a control bar adjacent the dog and engaged thereby to support the switch element in operative position and a member on the rod intermediate the switch element and dog in operative engagement with the manually actuated key for movingfthe switch element into operative position and for returning the same to normal position when said dog is released by said bar.-

19. In a ticket sorting machine of the class described, a plurality of switch elements controlling delivery of tickets to independent receptacles, a key actu'atedmechanism controlling the operation of said switch elements, each element including a rod, a dog at one end of the rod, a control bar adjacent the dog'and engaged thereby to support the switch element in operative position, a member ion the rod intermediate the switch element and dog in operative engagement with the manually actuated key for moving the switch element into operative position and for returning the same to normal position when said dog is released by said. bar, and all of said manually actuated keys being in operative engagement with Said bar whereby in the operation of raising one switch element, a previously raised switch element will be returned to its lower or inoperative position.

20. In a ticket sorting machine of the class described, a plurality of switch elements controlling delivery of tickets to independent receptacles, a key actuated mechanism controlling the operation of said switch elements, each element including a rod, a dog at one end of the rod, a control bar adjacent the dog and engaged thereby to support the switch element in operative position, a member on the rod intermediate the switch element and dog in operative engagement with the manually actuated key for moving the switch element into operative position andfor returning the same to normal position when said dog is released by said barall of said manually actuated keys being in operative engagement with said bar wherebyin the operation of raising one switch element, a previously raised switch element will be returned to its lower or inoperative position, means for feeding tickets longitudinally of the spaced switch elements and ticket pick-up and delivery means for delivering tickets to said last named feedingA means, and a clutch device actuated in the operation of any of said keys for operating the ticket pick-up and delivery means.

21. In a ticket sorting machine, the combination with an intermittently actuated ticket delivery means, of means for conveying tickets to a plurality of ticket receiving receptacles in the process of sorting said tickets, said conveyor means comprising an elongated surface, an endless round belt conveyor arranged over and with one part of said belt travelling longitudinally of and in a groove formed in said surface, a plurality of switch elements forming part of and transversing said surface, said switch elements being adapted to'l be raised on the surface to deflect tickets therefrom into receptacles controlled thereby, and said switch elements being notched to receive said belt conveyor when in raised position.

22. In a ticket sorting machine, the combination with an intermittently actuated ticket delivery means, of means for conveying tickets to a. plurality of ticket receiving receptacles in the process of sorting said tickets, said conveyor means comprising an elongated surface, an endless round belt conveyor arranged over and with one part oi. said belt travelling longitudinally of and in a. groove formed in said surface, a plurality of switch elements forming part of and transversing said surface, said switch elements being adapted to be raised on the surface to deect tickets therefrom into receptacles controlled thereby, said switch elements being notched to receive said belt conveyor when in raised position, andl independently actuated belt conveyor units livering the tickets from said elements to the receptacles controlled thereby.

23. Ina ticket sorting machine, the combination with an intermittently actuated ticket delivery means, of means for conveying tickets to a plurality of ticket receiving receptacles in the process of sorting said tickets, said conveyor means comprising an elongated surface, an endless round belt conveyor arranged over and with 65 adjacent the respective switch elements for deone part of said belt travelling longitudinally of and in a groove formed in said surface, a plurality of switch elements forming part of and transversing said surf ace, said switch elements being adapted to'be raised on the surface to deflect tickets therefrom into receptacles controlled thereby, said4 switch elements being notched to receive said belt conveyor when in raised position, independently actuated belt conveyor units adjacent the respective switch elements for delivering the tickets from said elements to the receptacles controlled thereby, the switch elements being arranged in two groups spaced longitudinally of said surface, and said receptacles being arranged in step-like groups beneath said surface.

24. In a ticket sorting machine, the combination with an intermittently actuated ticket delivery means, of means for conveying tickets to a plurality of ticket receiving receptacles in the process-of sorting said tickets, said conveyor means comprising an elongated surface, an endless round belt conveyor arranged over and with one part of said belt travelling longitudinally of and in a groove formed in said surface, a plurality of switch elements forming part of and transversing said surface, said switch elements being adapted to be raised on the surface to deflect tickets there'- from into receptacles controlled thereby, said switch elements being notched to receive said belt conveyor when in raised position, independently actuated belt conveyor units adjacent the respective switch elements for delivering the tickets from said elements to the receptacles controlled thereby, and adjustable means in advance of said conveyor belt for controlling the deliveryof single tickets thereto.

` LEON E. BARNES. 

